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March 13, 2012, 11:57 am
Saylor pushes natural gas vehicle bill
Rep. Stan Saylor this morning announced the introduction of legislation aimed at encouraging the use of natural gas vehicles in Pennsylvania.
The measure, HB 2251, would tap part of the Clean Air Fund to provide grants for adoption of natural gas vehicles and to expand the Commonwealth’s network of natural gas filling stations.
Rep. Saylor said the current price of the natural gas-equivalent to a gallon of gasoline is $2.00. With its cleaner-burning properties and natural abundance in Pennsylvania, Rep. Saylor called natural gas a key to cleaning the Commonwealth’s air, creating jobs, and weaning Pennsylvania vehicles off foreign oil.
Check the Capitol Toolbox later for the full story.
February 27, 2012, 1:24 pm
Barry Schoch, Secretary of the Department of Transportation, was the featured speaker at today’s Press Club luncheon. Secretary Schoch discussed a number of the department’s goals and accomplishments, including increased transparency, efficiency, and greater cooperation among levels of government and other agencies. For the full story, check the PLS Capitol Toolbox later today.
February 7, 2012, 2:58 pm
Shortly after the Governor’s address to a joint session of the House and Senate, Democrats held a press conference to offer their thoughts on the governor’s proposed budget. Of note, the members decried the proposed cuts to higher and basic education and called for more details on transportation funding. Half a dozen members spoke briefly, each reiterating their concerns with education and transportation funding and prognosticating higher property taxes and higher tuition in the near future.
Look for full budget details in PLS’s Budget Box and in the Capitol Toolbox.
February 7, 2012, 1:33 pm
Republicans respond to Corbett budget
House and Senate Republican leaders today responded positively to the 2012-13 budget proposal laid out by Governor Tom Corbett. Speaking shortly after the conclusion of Gov. Corbett’s annual budget address, Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi (R-Jefferson) said the proposal is one that “fits the time we are in.”
House Majority Leader Mike Turzai (R-Allegheny) lauded Gov. Corbett for focusing on the private sector in his budget, and the governor also received high marks for introducing for the second year in a row a budget that includes no new taxes.
Noting Gov. Corbett advised he will deal with transportation funding separately and not as part of the General Fund budget, Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Jake Corman (R-Centre) agreed it should be dealt with as a separate issue, and said he awaits the Corbett Administration to release its proposal.
In their remarks the Republican leaders also addressed questions surrounding basic and higher education funding, Keystone Opportunity Zones, and various other policies issues tied to the budget. Check the Capitol Toolbox later for the full story, and ongoing coverage of the 2012-13
Continue reading Republicans praise “disciplined, common-sense” Corbett budget proposal
January 4, 2012, 11:00 am
Rep. Mike Hanna (D-Clinton) and Rep. Dan Frankel (D-Allegheny) today introduced a package of bills to address the Commonwealth’s transportation funding needs. The legislation is based on the recommendations of Governor Corbett’s Transportation Funding Advisory Commission and legislation introduced by Sen. Jake Corman (R-Centre). The proposals include: adjusting vehicle driver fees for inflation; increasing fines; uncapping the Oil Company Franchise Tax over a five year period; modernizing PennDOT services; and ensuring adequate funding for mass transit. Rep. Hanna commented, “Pennsylvania’s deteriorating roads and bridges deserve a higher priority than the governor has given them. And if he is choosing not to lead on this issue, then it’s time for the legislature to take action.” He went on to say, “By working in a bipartisan, bicameral manner, it is my hope that we can reach a consensus on this priority in the coming weeks.” Check the Capitol Toolbox later today for the full story.
January 4, 2012, 9:39 am
DECEMBER COMES IN BELOW ESTIMATE
Secretary of Revenue Daniel Meuser reported yesterday that Pennsylvania collected $2.3 billion in General Fund revenue in December, which was $141.5 million, or 5.9 percent, less than anticipated, Fiscal year-to-date General Fund collections total $11.6 billion, which is $486.8 million, or four percent, below estimate. Check out the Press Conferences section of the PLS Capitol Toolbox to read the full statement.
YORK OFFICIAL TO SEEK PICCOLA SENATE SEAT
According to an article in the Patriot News, York County Clerk of Courts Don O’Shell announced Tuesday he would seek the Republican nomination for the 15th Senatorial District being vacated by the retirement of Sen. Jeffrey Piccola. O’Shell was first elected as clerk of courts in 2003 and was re-elected for a third term in November. With the announcement, O’Shell becomes the second candidate to seek the nomination. Last month, John J. McNally III of Lower Paxton Township, until recently the Dauphin County Republican Party chairman, announced he would also enter the contest. Click here to read the Patriot News article.
SCARNATI WANTS ACTION ON IMPACT FEE
According to an article in the Scranton Times Tribune, a top Senate
Continue reading Eye Opener – January 4, 2012
November 15, 2011, 11:27 am
The House Transportation committee this morning voted to amend and report HB 3, legislation sponsored by Chairman Rick Geist (R-Blair) that would provide a legislative framework for the implementation of transportation public-private partnerships (P3s) in the state. The bill, similar to SB 344 which passed out of the Senate Transportation Committee this morning, would create a board of appointees charged with developing such partnerships for infrastructure projects in the Commonwealth. Democrats opposed the bill as amended in part due to the amendment’s elimination of references to the state Prevailing Wage Act. Chairman Geist defended the change, contending that a large majority of projects will involve federal dollars and thus be subject to federal prevailing wage law.
PLS subscribers check the Capitol Toolbox later for the full story.
October 25, 2011, 3:09 pm
Auditor General Jack Wagner today called for increased state spending on the Commonwealth’s roads and bridges and said the issue should be the top priority of the General Assembly during this fall’s session. Noting his training as a safety engineer and the fact Pennsylvania ranks first in the number of structurally deficient bridges in the US, Wagner said, “We need to do more and we need to invest more.” He also argued that increased investment in infrastructure “would improve public safety and the state’s economic competitiveness while creating thousands of new jobs.” Check the Capitol Toolbox later today for the full story.
October 19, 2011, 12:45 pm
Sen. Corman announces transportation funding bills
Senate Appropriations Chairman Jake Corman (R-Centre) today announced he will be introducing a series of bills incorporating the recommendations of Gov. Tom Corbett’s Transportation Funding Advisory Commission, which call for billions in spending to repair Pennsylvania’s ailing roads and bridges.
Beginning with SB 4, which will provide the funding mechanism for the plan, Sen. Corman’s legislation will provide for the investment of at least $2 billion annually to pay for transportation infrastructure repair and maintenance. He pointed out that Pennsylvania residents will pay either for the road repairs that are needed or simply at the pump or the garage for the resulting wear and tear on vehicles.
Sen. Corman said the next step forward will be Gov. Corbett either endorsing the package of bills or coming out with his own proposal. Senate Transportation Committee Chairman John Rafferty (R-Montgomery) has said he will not move Sen. Corman’s bills unless the governor indicates they have his support. Sen. Corman said he hopes his announcement prompts action from administration in one way or another.
Check the Capitol Toolbox later for the full
Continue reading Corman lays out transportation funding plan
September 28, 2011, 11:19 am
The House and Senate Transportation Committees held their second public hearing on the Governor’s Transportation Funding Advisory Commission’s report. Lawmakers heard testimony from the PA State Association of Township Supervisors, the Keystone State Railroad Association, the PA Public Transportation Association, and the Commonwealth Foundation regarding the report’s recommendations. Check the Capitol Toolbox later today for the full story.
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